Outlook: With a conference title essentially on the line, the Hawks and Tigers will be charged up even more than usual for this traditional rivalry game. The last time the two teams collided, the Hawks won 53-39 at the Blackhawk Center.

Outlook: This is the first time that the Rams and Comets have met this season, and it comes a week before the two could meet again at the 2A Newman Regional. The Comets will be looking to prove that they can run with Rams. Comets will need to limit turnovers.

SVM pick: Riverdale

Boys

Erie (14-10) at Newman (17-4)

When: 6:30 p.m. Saturday

Where: Newman High School

Three Rivers: Erie 6-4, Newman 8-1

On the line: Comets can’t afford loss to stay close to TRAC-leading Kewanee

Outlook: The first meeting ended in Comets’ 65-64 overtime win on Nov. 30, in Erie. Sharp had 29 points in that game. Erie’s Saad hit five 3s and had 21 points. There’s no reason the rematch shouldn’t have the same sort of drama.

Outlook: Winnebago has only been challenged a couple times, once by Lutheran (68-65 win) and by Moline (63-56). The rest of its wins have been by double digits, including a 79-56 win over the Rockets on Dec. 18. Armoska was not in that contest because of an illness.

Outlook: A young group of Marcos wilted the first time they ran up against an experienced, talented Bulldog squad. Aquin won that game 79-37 in Freeport on Jan. 8. That didn’t deter the Marcos, who have kept pace with Dakota for second place in the NUIC East. This will be a chance for the Marcos to make a big statement as regionals draw near.